Greater New Orleans

Eat, Thank and Be Merry: Social Scene

"A wonderful evening enjoyed by all," was how a party principal described Ochsner's 2013 annual Benefactor Dinner. Held at the Audubon Tea Room, it amassed 135 guests, the honored benefactors, whose cumulative giving reached well over $3,750,000.

Warner Thomas, president and chief operating officer of Ochsner Health System, both opened and closed the formalities. He began by welcoming the guests and thanking them for their generosity to education, research and patient care. Next, videos were shown -- one of them of the recent surgery done for a patient who received a mechanical heart.

Always a highlight of the annual gathering is the presentation of the "doctors of philanthropy." Michelle Dodenhoff, senior vice president and chief development officer, announced those individuals, giving them white lab coats with "doctor of philanthropy" embroidered on the left front pocket. Another gift was an Ochsner Commemorative Plate. In conclusion, Warner Thomas issued closing remarks and thanked the benefactors for their generous support of the Ochsner mission, saying that their gifts today are tomorrow's miracles.

For the prandial pleasures, "gifts from the kitchen, " the menu consisted of Roma tomatoes and buffalo mozzarella, pork loin stuffed with andouille sausage, and creme brulee with seasonal berries. White hydrangeas with blue thistle and yellow aster solidagos centered the tables as the floral fillip.

A most "moveable feast" takes the shape of the Royal Street Stroll sponsored by Rouses, which is the ambulatory apex of the yearly New Orleans Wine and Food Experience. Prior to the 2013 evening event that featured, among the city's "greatest gifts, " such as antiques, fine art, live jazz, stunning historic architecture and outstanding wines, select folks gathered in Hotel Monteleone's Carousel and Lounge for early cheer. Then they sauntered out on Royal Street to visit the plethora of art galleries, while experiencing wine offerings at each stop. The Krewe of Cork added robust entertainment in its parade through the Vieux Carre.

Notables at the pre-stroll party in the hotel were Neil Buie, NOWFE president, and board members Chris Ycaza, Kim Priez, Sara Kavanaugh, Amy Reimer, Mary Beth Romig, and Jamie Peckenpaugh. More making their NOWFE mark were Kent Wasmuth of the Monteleone, Tim Acosta of Rouses, Jerry Peters, Leonce Collins, Kendall Gensler, Ann Maloney, Betsie Gambel, Jennifer Hale, Judy Walker, John Williams, Dr. Harsha Chacko, Tom Fitzmorris, Tim McNally, Brenda Maitland, Bonnie Warren, Mary Sonnier, and Michelle Minyard. Glasses clinked, they then hit the seven designated "Stroll'' blocks of Royal Street. A "first'' this year was the New Food Truck Zone presented by E.J. Gallo in the 800 block of Royal.

In the 500 block of Royal Street stands The Historic New Orleans Collection, where an opening reception held forth on Tuesday evening for "Pipe Dreams: Louisiana under the French Company of the Indies, 1717-1731." The exhibition, which was curated by Erin M. Greenwald, presents the role of the company in Louisiana when it had a trade monopoly in the colony.

Among the individuals meandering about and enjoying (in designated areas the purveyance of Chez Nous) were THNOC board Chairwoman Mary Lou (Mrs. William C.) Christovich, and members Fred M. Smith and John E. Walker, who sit on the board along with Drew Jardine, John Kallenborn, E. Alexandra Stafford, and Hilton S. Bell. Staff members included THNOC Executive Director Priscilla Lawrence, director of museum programs John H. Lawrence, and dozens more.

Making rounds, too, were Claire and John Stewart, Tom Bonner, Sharon Litwin, Lou Hoffman, Glen Pitre, and Robert Becnel and Dee Dee Zink, who were just back from The Collection's trip to Spain, as was Susie Hoskins. After viewing the exhibition, Susie and her sister, Sally Reeves, were spotted dining at Kingfish Restaurant. Executive chef Greg Sonnier stopped by their table to greet them.

The above Catherine Burns Tremaine extended an invitation for cocktails and dinner at her Garden District home, resulting in the most lovely private party this year (that was not a wedding reception). Valet parking was available. Dr. Michael White and Dreux Montegut entertained; Ambrose Gardens (with thanks to owner Gene Luke and manager Steve Baker) did the fabulous flowers; Perrier Linens provided tables, linens and chairs; and chef John Folse of Restaurant R'evolution catered. And attended. Each menu card had the name of the guest seated at that spot of the table, as well as a description of the individual courses with "Twin-Bone Rack of Lamb Tremaine" as the delight before the palate-cleanser: satsuma and champagne granite. A raspberry and chocolate dacquoise concluded the repast.

Terry Cambise -- joined by husband Mike and their daughter, Victoria -- was present both as the event planner and friend of the hostess. In fact the two of them, Mmes. Tremaine and Cambise, created the party's decor around a sophisticated plaid linen they both loved. The rich colors of the fabric inspired the invitations, the flowers, and the menu cards.

A few of Mrs. Tremaine's nearest and dearest included John Bullard and Wayne Amedee, who flanked her at her table; the above Dr. John and Mary Lou Ochsner and his sister, Isabel 'Sis' Mann; Anne and King Milling; and Dr. and Mrs. Freddy Abi-Samra.